Smith set to interview in San Diego

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeJanuary 11, 2013

Former Bears coach Lovie Smith is scheduled to interview with the San Diego Chargers and new general manager Tom Telesco on Friday. Smith was fired by the Bears -- the same day San Diego canned Norv Turner -- after nine seasons despite a 10-6 record in 2012. He coached the Bears from 2004-12. He had an 81-63 record, including three NFC North division championships and a Super Bowl appearance in the 2006 season. He was the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams for three seasons prior to joining the Bears. The Chargers' slow-moving coaching search is expected to accelerate this weekend with Smith, Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and and Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. The team set hiring a GM as its priority. Telesco, hired this week to replace A.J. Smith, had also shown interest in UCLA coach Jim Mora, Jr.